(Associate) Environmental and Social Development Specialist
JOB DETAIL
Description
IFC – a member of the World Bank Group – is the largest global development institution focused on the private sector in emerging markets. We work in more than 100 countries, using our capital, expertise, and influence to create markets and opportunities. Our mission is to leverage the power of the private sector to end extreme poverty and boost shared prosperity on a livable planet. For more information, visit www.ifc.org.
The Environmental & Social Policy and Risk Department (CES) serves as the guardian of IFC Environmental and Social (E&S) policies and standards (for more information, visit https://www.ifc.org/en/what-we-do/sector-expertise/sustainability/policies-and-standards). The department is responsible for providing independent E&S expertise, advice, guidance, and review of E&S risk management across the Corporation. In addition, CES provides global support to IFC’s regional E&S teams, embedded in operations. This support includes assistance with project-level stakeholder engagement and grievance response, E&S knowledge sharing and training, and the development and implementation of E&S systems and tools.
IFC operates in a complex and dynamic environment and recognizes the important role that civil society organizations (CSOs) and other stakeholders play in advancing socially and environmentally responsible development. IFC is committed to proactive problem-solving and response to stakeholder complaints and concerns related to the E&S impacts of IFC’s investments.
CES is looking for a highly motivated development professional to join the Stakeholder Engagement and Grievance Response (SEGR) team. The successful candidate will work closely with IFC’s Regional Departments and E&S, Industry, Communications & Outreach, and Legal teams to support regional and project-level CSO engagement, facilitate implementation of the Compliance Advisor Ombudsman (CAO) policy, and manage effective grievance resolution for project-affected communities.
Duties and Accountabilities
• Lead engagement and project support to enhance IFC’s responsiveness to stakeholder concerns, including E&S complaints brought to the IFC’s independent accountability mechanism, the CAO, or received directly by IFC (Direct Complaints), and concerns raised by CSOs. Advise project teams, and IFC clients on complainant engagement and contribute to problem-solving and complaint resolution. Strengthen IFC’s relationship with CSOs, fostering dialogue and building support for IFC’s operations and key institutional priorities.
• Liaise with CAO teams and support regional teams in the timely preparation and implementation of IFC’s responses to CAO cases. Advise teams based on case precedent and lessons learned.
• Guide IFC teams through the Direct Complaints process, facilitating complainant engagement and early and proactive response to E&S complaints received directly by IFC.
• Support project teams in identifying CSO engagement opportunities and monitoring potential E&S CSO related risks in projects throughout the project life cycle and promote constructive CSO relationship management in projects, including through the development and implementation of CSO engagement plans.
• Proactively engage across departments to mainstream stakeholder engagement and grievance response within IFC.
• Develop and deliver regular progress reports, training, guidance materials, and lessons learned to IFC staff and management. Create and implement support tools for clients on grievance response and CSO engagement methods and strategies.
Selection Criteria
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• Master’s degree in social/environmental sciences, international development, international relations, policy/public affairs, human rights, dispute/conflict resolution or other relevant discipline.
• Minimum of 5 years of relevant professional experience related to E&S risk assessment and management, social or community development, stakeholder engagement, grievance response, independent accountability mechanisms, dispute resolution, or CSO/community engagement.
• Familiarity with IFC’s Sustainability Framework or equivalent.
• Pragmatic, problem-solving orientation with a high degree of responsiveness and proactivity. Creative and self-motivated.
• Ability to think strategically and rapidly analyze and synthesize diverse information from varied sources, and to learn, adapt, and be innovative in response to new risks or opportunities.
• Exemplary project management and organizational skills and ability to manage multiple tasks under tight deadlines. Experience organizing and prioritizing deliverables and maintaining attention to detail.
• Capacity to deal with complexity, ambiguity, and conflict with confidence and discretion, and to diffuse tense situations and seek solutions in a calm and cooperative manner.
• Excellent interpersonal skills and emotional intelligence. Ability to effectively communicate in challenging situations and on complex issues in a manner non-experts can understand.
• Effective communication skills in written and spoken English. Proficiency in another language is a plus.
• High personal integrity, with demonstrated ability to handle sensitive matters in a discreet and respectful manner.
World Bank Group Core Competencies
The World Bank Group offers comprehensive benefits, including a retirement plan; medical, life and disability insurance; and paid leave, including parental leave, as well as reasonable accommodations for individuals with disabilities.
We are proud to be an equal opportunity and inclusive employer with a dedicated and committed workforce, and do not discriminate based on gender, gender identity, religion, race, ethnicity, sexual orientation, or disability.
Learn more about working at the World Bank and IFC, including our values and inspiring stories.
